Early, Jubal Anderson (1816–1894)

American Confederate military leader. Although long a supporter of the Union, he joined the Confederate army at the outbreak of the American Civil War 1861. After the Battle of Bull Run 1862 he was made general in the Army of Northern Virginia, leading campaigns in the Shenandoah Valley 1862–64 and threatening Washington, DC, 1864.

Early was born in Franklin County, Virginia, and graduated from West Point military academy 1837. He became a barrister 1840 and later served in the Virginia legislature. During the Civil War, his early successes in the Shenandoah were reversed by General Philip Sheridan at 3rd Winchester, Fisher's Hill, and Cedar Creek. He was defeated also by George Custer at Waynesborough 1865. After a brief period of exile following the end of the war, he resumed his Virginia law practice.